A0–1
What Is Light?
Discover the fundamental nature of light and why it is the most important tool in optical microscopy. Introduces light as an electromagnetic wave and explores wavelength, phase, and amplitude.
Microscopy academy · Eric Muzipov, 2026
Become fluent
in microscopy.
A structured path from the nature of light to advanced optical techniques and scanning electron microscopy.
2Parts
5Levels
27Lessons
Original materials, animations, graphics, and practical examples developed from real work at the instrument.
A0IntermediateLight & optical foundations6 lessons
A0–2
Refraction, Interference & Diffraction
Learn the optical phenomena that govern image formation inside a microscope — essential principles for interpreting image quality, contrast, and resolution.
A0–3
Light Sources in Microscopy
Explore illumination from traditional halogen lamps to modern LEDs, HBO, HXP, and lasers, and learn how the light source affects image quality and possible applications.
A0–4
Optical Elements of a Microscope
Take a closer look at the components that guide and manipulate light: lenses, apertures, prisms, filters, and other key optical elements.
A0–5
Magnification & Resolution
Understand the difference between making an image larger and revealing more detail, including the factors that determine resolution and the practical limits of optical imaging.
A0–6
Aberrations
Discover the imperfections that degrade microscope images, the most common aberrations, and how modern objectives are designed to minimize them.
A1IntermediateThe light microscope5 lessons
A1–1
Microscope Objectives
Learn how objectives determine image quality, magnification, resolution, and contrast in microscopy.
A1–2
Immersion Media
Understand how immersion media improve optical performance and increase resolution.
A1–3
Types of Microscopes
Explore the most common microscope types and their typical applications.
A1–4
Microscope Parts, Functions & Operation
Get familiar with the main components and learn the fundamentals of operating a light microscope.
A1–5
Brightfield & Köhler Illumination
Learn the principles of brightfield microscopy and how to set up Köhler illumination for the best image quality.
A2IntermediateContrast methods6 lessons
A2–1
Contrast Methods: Condensers & Sliders
Learn how contrast techniques use condensers and optical inserts to reveal features that remain invisible in brightfield microscopy.
A2–2
Darkfield Microscopy
Discover how darkfield illumination enhances transparent samples by imaging only scattered light.
A2–3
Phase Contrast Microscopy
Learn how phase contrast converts invisible phase differences into visible image contrast without staining.
A2–4
Polarized Light Microscopy
Explore how polarized light reveals crystal structure, stress, and anisotropic properties in materials.
A2–5
Differential Interference Contrast
Understand how DIC, or Nomarski contrast, creates high-contrast images with a three-dimensional appearance by detecting optical path differences.
A2–6
Reflected Light Microscopy
Learn the principles of reflected light microscopy and its applications in materials science, metallurgy, and surface inspection.
B1AdvancedAdvanced imaging systems5 lessons
B1–1
Fluorescence Microscopy
Learn how fluorescent molecules make it possible to visualize specific structures with exceptional sensitivity and contrast.
B1–2
Digital Cameras & Options
Explore microscope cameras, sensors, and the imaging parameters that influence image quality and acquisition speed.
B1–3
Confocal Microscopy
Understand how confocal microscopy removes out-of-focus light, improves contrast, and enables optical sectioning.
B1–4
Stereo Microscopes: Detailed Guide
Take an in-depth look at stereo microscope optics, configurations, and practical applications.
B1–5
Creating Microscope Configurations & Specifications
Learn how to select and combine microscope components into an optimized system for a specific application.
B2AdvancedSpecial & electron microscopy5 lessons
B2–1
Special Techniques: SIM & Apotome
Explore advanced optical methods that improve resolution and contrast beyond conventional microscopy.
B2–2
Electron Microscopy I: Overview
An introduction to electron microscopy, its underlying principles, major components, and capabilities.
B2–3
Electron Microscopy II: Settings & Acquisition
Learn how imaging parameters influence image quality and how to optimize SEM acquisition settings.
B2–4
Electron Microscopy III: Low Vacuum
Discover how low-vacuum operation enables imaging of non-conductive and challenging samples with minimal preparation.
B2–5
Electron Microscopy IV: Sources, Applications & STEM
Compare FEG and tungsten-filament SEM, explore specialized imaging modes, and see how SEM and STEM are applied across different fields.
Enrollment
Microscopy A0–A1 is coming soon.
Course details and enrollment updates are available on the Microscopy Academy website.
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